Washington County was named for
George
Washington, First President of the United States.
It was created in 1825 from
Jackson and
Walton Counties.
Washington also borders
Bay and
Holmes
Counties. Though not actually next to Washington,
Calhoun
lies nearby.

The county seat is now Chipley, named in honor of Colonel William D.
Chipley, a railroad official. Formerly the county seat was located
at Vernon on the banks of Holmes Creek.